Now for the normal stuff. This is a work of fiction most of the characters in this story are made up as well as what happens. There are some real and fake companies mentioned they are just to make the story more interesting.
And if you like the story or even if you don't.
Please donate to Nifty to help keep this and other stories coming.
Chapter 9
Trent came in and woke us up the next morning with a cup of coffee each. Robbie and I were a little slow to wake up. We had such a nice peaceful night.
He seemed a little embarrassed about Trent seeing us in bed together, but I let him know with a nice good morning kiss in bed and in front of Trent that it isn't anything to be embarrassed about.
He seemed ok because the next thing I knew Robbie got out of bed (we always sleep nude) with Trent still there and went to use the restroom. And came back with about the same morning hard on he left with. It was a little funny to see the look on Trent's face when he saw Robbie naked and about half hard. He finally spoke.
You guys going to lay in bed all day, or get up so we can go see the FBI?
I'm all for staying in bed and making mad passionate love to my hot dad here.
I'll go for that but if we don't go talk to them babe they will just keep calling. And don't you want to go shopping after wards.
I forgot about the shopping. I guess we'd better get up.
Come on stud let's get a shower.
As Trent was leaving the room he sort of yelled back. And no fooling around either. We don't have the time.
Robbie replied I do last a long time. Don't I honey.
You sure do babe and plenty of times too.
We showered and got dressed and found Trent and Jenkins in the kitchen having coffee and doughnuts.
Robbie started laughing. Is that all you guys eat?
Jenkins replied, that's all Trent knows how to fix. Well actually he buys them since he can't cook.
What can I say. There's no pots and pans or dishes to clean up is there.
Ok guys lay off Trent, he can't help it he burns water.
By now we were all laughing, even Trent.
I looked at my watch. Ok guys let's get moving.
We headed out and got in the 1-ton and proceeded to go to Tampa and made small talk along the way. We got to the FBI building and Trent and Jenkins walked in with us.
Robbie and I were led to what they call an interview room and told that Agent Robinson would be in in a moment.
Good morning Mr. Johnson and Mr. Taylor. I'm Special Agent Robinson I'm glad you were able to come in so soon. Maybe we can wrap this up today and clear our part of the case.
What do you need to know?
First let me tell you this is just a formality since you were held hostage and for ransom. You are in no way being investigated. You may or may not know that the FBI is required to be notified anytime a kidnapping situation develops, because of the possibility of state lines being crossed.
So we're not in any trouble? Robbie asked.
Oh no. This is just a formality since the local police handled everything and you guys weren't hurt.
Good.
Now can you guys tell me what happened that morning.
I started telling agent Robinson things as they happened and Robbie added a few comments here and there. After about a half hour we were done.
Robinson said that sounds fine to me and it follows the reports we received from the Dood City police.
Who were these guys anyway? I asked.
Mr. Johnson they all had pretty long rap sheets. This wasn't their first try at something like this. They had all done a similar thing like this before and did time for it. But from what the investigation has turned up, they have never participated in anything together before.
It sounds like they met in a bar and just hatched a very badly planned plan. That's one reason it failed so terribly. From interviewing the survivor we found out everyone had a different idea on how to do things and that was their downfall.
We have enough on the guy who survived that if he is convicted on even one charge. Getting out of prison alive will be a miracle. If he doesn't get the death penalty because of three people getting killed.
Do you guys have any questions?
Will we have to go to court? Robbie asked.
We don't know yet. The prosecutor is still investigating and will be contacting you. If he takes a plea bargain he will still be in prison for at least 50 years.
But if it goes to trial you probably will have to be there and testify. They will notify you either way. Both of you will have to approve any plea bargain before a judge signs off on it.
As long as he stays locked up I'll be happy, I said.
Ok gentlemen if there is any questions, here is my card feel free to call me.
We took the cards and agent Robinson led us out to the lobby and said he would be in touch if they needed any more information. We thanked him and left.
See babe that was easy enough wasn't it?
Yeah I guess so. He did seem pretty nice.
You ready to go shopping.
Yeah lets go and get all the stuff we need and then how about going out Some place nice for lunch.
Ok you got it.
We got out the doors and Trent and Jenkins was waiting on us.
How did it go.
Good Trent, he just wanted our statements and said all of those guys had done similar things in the past. But this was their first time working together and they figured that's why it was so easy to take them out. Robinson said they had enough to put the guy away for the rest of his life. And the prosecutor would be in touch when it came time to either talk plea bargain or go to trial.
Good maybe this part will be over fast,
Yeah I hope so too. Now let's go shopping.
We headed to the electronics store and got a TV/DVD combo for the truck. Robbie also talked me into getting some DVD movies and a few music CD's he wanted for a while.
Then we headed over to the truck supply outlet and picked up all kinds of things. Just a few of the things were: a flashing light bar, flashing lights for the trailer, chains, binders, some portable straps for holding small items on, red flags, and a whole lot of wire and cable to install the lights with.
I only ended up spending a couple thousand dollars there including an aluminum headache rack and a tool box made of aluminum, which they are going to deliver to me tomorrow.
We got it all loaded up, it was a good thing we took the 1-ton dually I bought. And now I told the guys to decide on where we were going to have lunch. Since it was still early in the afternoon the Outback Steak House was out of the question so we decided on a nice smaller steakhouse.
During lunch the small talk was light until the conversation turned to the security force I was going to hire.
So have you had any replies to your ads for a security force yet.
Yeah Trent, I have five guys that will be coming down soon for an interview.
You know anything about them?
Two are S.E.A.L.S. two are Force Recon Marines and the other is an Air Force Para-rescue jumper. Gunny and chief Callahan are checking them out.
You sure that's the kind of guys you want?
After what happened a couple weeks ago, what would you suggest.
Good question. What about cops or FBI agents or like that.
Trent, how many times have you had to pull your gun and actually use it to protect someone?
Once or twice, maybe.
That's what I mean. if it comes to a point between us in danger or bad guys in danger. I want guys who can handle it. Hopefully no one else will get killed, but if a bunch of idiots try something again I want guys who protect us in the most efficient way. Besides no offense I've seen too many cops who when they retire are either too corrupt or too lazy to do anything.
What do you mean corrupt.
Ok look at it this way. How many times do you go in a convenience store or restaurant and get stuff and they don't charge you?
Most of the time. They like us being around.
That's what I mean. And if you pull them over for something, you're going to give them a break aren't you?
Maybe.
Now you understand what I'm talking about. I want guys who are loyal to me. I will be paying them good and taking care of them. And I expect the same in return.
Ok, I see what you mean.
Hey guys if we are all done here I need to stop at one of the larger hotels downtown here and make arrangements for the interview.
The Hilton has suites available, Jenkins added.
Ok let's swing by the Hilton and I'll make the arrangements in person. We got done eating and I paid the bill for all of us and we headed to Tampa Airport Hilton. Walking to the front desk I noticed the lobby was very nice and clean. Of course most hotels this size are.
Hello I'm Donald how may I help you today.
I'm looking for a suite to conduct some business. I'll need a common area for a talk with all of them and a couple private areas for one on one interviews.
How many people do you expect to have coming sir?
Only about 10 -12 at the present time.
Would you like a stocked bar and food?
Yes the bar will be ok and some snack food, maybe some meat for sandwiches and a relish tray.
That shouldn't be a problem. Will any of your guests be staying over.
Possibly, could you have 5 nice rooms reserved. I will let you know the day of the meeting if any will actually be staying.
Ok sir, we have one conference suite and five rooms and the bar and food. Will you need anything else?
No I think that will be it.
Ok sir what date will you be coming?
How about the 23rd of this month.
That's no problem. May I have your name sir.
Yes it's Jay Johnson. And here is my credit card.
Thank you Mr. Johnson. I'll put the suite on it and you can pay for the rooms as they are needed.
Thanks. That will be fine.
I went back out and told the guys it was taken care of and we headed home. When we arrived I had Robbie and the guys unload all the stuff for the truck and put it on the porch and of course the electronic things went in the house. I noticed the message light blinking on the answering machine.
One message was from the mobile home dealer telling me both new homes would be here tomorrow and set up and ready by Wednesday to use. Also there was another message for my security position. So I decided to call him back and see if he was able to come for the interview.
Ring, ring, ring. Hello.
Could I speak to Jacob Harrison please?
Speaking.
Hello Jacob this is Jay Johnson. I'm returning your call about a security position.
Yes sir. What do you need to know.
First. What branch were you in.
Army, Green Berets.
Great. Did you listen to the recording?
Yes sir.
Do you have any problems working for a gay boss and traveling from time to time?
No, I enjoy traveling.
Good. Are you still in the army or are you due to be out soon.
I got discharged last week after 10 years of service.
How long were you with the Green Berets.
8 of the 10 years.
Ok would you be able to come to Tampa on the 23rd for an interview?
Yes that would be fine.
Ok I need your full name and SSN so I can have a back-round check done and get everything started for a concealed weapons permit. And where are you at the present time and I will make travel arrangements for you.
I got all the information and found out he was still in the FT. Bragg area.
I would prefer to just drive down if it's ok with you Mr. Johnson.
That's ok with me, save your receipts and I will be more than happy to reimburse you.
Hey that would be great.
Ok I will see you at 10 a.m. on the 23rd at the Tampa Airport Hilton. Just tell the front desk you are there for Johnson Incorporated. If there is any change in the plans I will contact you.
I'll see you then.
Ok bye Jacob.
Bye.
Next I called Gunny Williams and told him the plans and he was ok with the date.
Gunny I'm going to need you to be here and supervise these guys for a month or so and weed out any bad apples or guys who can't work together.
That won't be a problem Jay.
Good I'm also looking for a cook to keep all these guys fed.
I know an older lady that cooks in a restaurant up by you that is looking to slow down a little. You might go check her out.
What's her name and where is she.
Mabel Carter and she is at that little place up by the truck stop all the locals go to.
Ok I know the place.
She is one hell of a cook too.
Maybe I need to go get something to eat then.
We both laughed.
Jay I'll see you the 23rd and have my stuff with me.
Ok gunny I'll talk to you later.
After I hung up I called Billy, Brent, Todd, Brandon, and Tommy and gave them the date and made their travel arrangements. Tommy said since he was so close he would just ride his motorcycle up. I said that would be fine and then got ready to go check out Mabel.
I went back out and told the guys I had another prospective security guy and also about maybe a cook. Trent and Jenkins both said they had ate there before and the food was great.
Well I know we just had a big lunch, but is anyone up for desert and we will go see if she is working and I can see what kind of cook she is.
The answer was unanimous.
Let me go talk to Jack and tell him the trailers will be here tomorrow. And I will be right back.
I went back to where the garage was being worked on and found Jack.
How's it going Jay? Haven't seen you out much.
No just been busy with getting everything going around here. How is this part coming along.
Doing good we're going to start hanging steel tomorrow and if everything works out you should be able to start using it sometime next week.
Great. Do you think we will be ok on the electric service coming in here or should I have the electric company run heavier service.
You may think about that. I think they normally put 200 amp in for homes. You're going to need at least 400 for that crane. They might be able to do it with a step up transformer, but it would be better with all the houses and all to have them run heavier lines.
I'll call them tomorrow and see when they can do it. Oh and by the way the two trailers will be coming tomorrow. They shouldn't be in your way. But they might need a little room to get them off the road.
Ok I'll keep an eye out for them tomorrow then.
I should be here, but then you never know what will come up between now and then.
Laughingly he said I know how your life goes.
Yeah that's right, I'll see you later. I need to go check out a prospective cook.
Ok see ya later.
I walked back over to the house and we all got in the car and Trent drove us to the restaurant.
We went in and got seated and the smells were great coming out of the kitchen. That's always a big plus. We had desert and the pies and cakes were fantastic. Since it was a slow period in their business I decided to ask the waitress if we could talk to the cook for a few minutes. She said she would go get her.
Out walks this large black lady.
Guys I'm Miss Mabel you wanted to see me?
Yes Miss Mabel I did. Your cooking smells very good. And from what we have had it tastes great also.
Well thank you sir. I have a lot of old recipes I use and just make a lot of things off the top of my head from scratch.
Miss Mabel I have heard that you're looking to either slow down or partially retire. And I'm looking for someone to cook on a fulltime basis for 12-15 people. And you come highly recommended.
I'm interested in getting out of here. Who would I be cooking for.
Myself, my lover and between 6 and 10 security people. Not everyone would be there all the time. You would have free reign of your kitchen and be able to buy whatever equipment you like. These guys are about all ex military so good hearty food is mostly what you would be making.
And where is the dream place to work located.
It's about 15 minutes from here.
I get off at 6 this evening could I come by then and talk to you.
You sure can. There is a lot of work going on there right now. My permanent house isn't built yet but it's in the works. It will be on the same property.
Ok I'll see you about 6:30
Alright then Miss Mabel we will see you then.
We headed back home after we got done with our deserts. As we were driving we noticed traffic was stopped ahead of us not far from the house.
Trent said I wonder what's going on up here.
I don't know but there is something defiantly wrong, Jenkins said.
As we got closer we saw that two cars had hit head on and both were off the road smashed into a tree. Trent stopped and started checking on injured people while Jenkins got on my cell phone. I told Robbie to stay close to the car. This is going to be bad.
People already at the scene said they called 911 about 10 minutes ago. But no one had showed up yet. Not even fire and rescue.
Jenkins said they told him they would get someone here as soon as they could.
As soon as they can? What the fuck is going on.
There's a big wreck on the freeway too and everything is there.
Trent came back up and said one was dead and another one would be lucky to make it.
Jenkins, call them again and tell them to get someone the fuck out here now, there's already one dead. Anything we can do for them Trent?
Not really except keep them warm. There's 4 of them pinned in the cars and no way for us to get them out.
I told Robbie to take the car and go home and get some blankets and get back as soon as he could. And if Jack was still there to get him and some of his men and to bring some good sized crow bars.
Jenkins came over and said it would be at least another 20 minutes before they could get anyone here.
God dammit I said. Jenkins give me that phone.
I called chief Callahan.
Chief Callahan's office.
This is Jay Johnson I need to talk to the chief it's an emergency.
The chief came on.
Jay what's up.
Chief there's an accident out here and we've been trying for 30 minutes already to get help here. Now they tell us another 20 minutes. There's one person dead and another not far from it.
Where are you.
I told him.
I'll have officers out there in 5 minutes.
Trent and Jenkins are here with me but we need medical help NOW.
I'll call fire and rescue myself and see if I can speed them up. Hold on.
He came back and said they were one their way.
It's about time.
Robbie got back with the blankets and Jack brought some crow bars and we were able to get to some of the victims and at least stop some bleeding and keep them warm. There was nothing else we could do.
Finally we heard sirens in the distance. It's about fuckin time I said to whoever might hear me.
A fire engine got there and soon an ambulance showed up. Then it looked like they emptied the fire house. When a chief showed up I walked over to him.
What the fuck do you mean leaving people out here for over 40 minutes after the first call. Do you realize that two of these people are dead now because lack of help. It's not like we're in the middle of nowhere. We are only 15 minutes out of town and I know there is a fire station a hell of a lot closer than that.
I'm sorry we're doing the best we can.
The best you can do! BULL SHIT!!
There was a wreck on the freeway, that call came in first.
And how many people were injured or died in it.
None.
Then just where in the fuck have you been.
We had to get through the traffic that was messed up because of it. Sometimes the wait seems a lot longer than it actually is. We try to get to a call as fast as we can.
That's a bunch of shit. I have been here 40 minutes and people called for help 10 minutes before I got here. I had my son run home and get blankets and crow bars and some help to keep the one guy from bleeding to death. Are you telling me that even untrained my 18 year old son has a better response time than your department?
That is not normally how it works, but in this case it seems to be true. We just don't have the resources out in this area that we need.
Then who do I need to see to get fire protection out here. I don't pay taxes to wait almost an hour when I call 911.
First you can start with my boss. County Fire Chief Steve McKay he will point you in the right direction.
And who are you.
Battalion Chief Roy James, station 49
About this time we heard a helicopter in the distance. We looked up and saw it was Life Flight from Tampa. Well maybe one of them has a chance of surviving anyway. They were only on the ground about 3 minutes, they didn't even shut the rotors down. Not a good sign.
After talking to one of the medics after the helicopter left I found out we might have actually saved one person by getting the doors open so we could try to slow the bleeding. He said they might pull through if they don't go into cardiac arrest from lack of blood.
He did say he called for the helicopter as soon as he saw what kind of injuries they had. I decided not to start on him since it looked like he was the only one who did make a good decision.
By now the sheriff and highway patrol were both there and taking care of the scene. I got Trent, Jenkins, and Robbie and we headed home. Both Trent and Jenkins were pretty bloody so when we got home I told them to go ahead and shower if they wanted. And I got them some clothes to wear while I put their stuff in the washer to hopefully keep it from staining.
After I started the washer Robbie came over and sat close to me.
What's wrong babe?
I'm just shook up.
That is understandable.
I've never seen anything like that up close before.
Babe I've seen too much of it and it never changes. it's something that stays with you. But somehow it helps knowing that you were able to help them even if it was only trying to comfort someone until medical help gets there. I've been in a situation like this before. I know the helpless feeling you get.
That's how I felt, helpless.
I know babe, it will pass.
I don't know what I would have done if I had known the people. Or if it had been some of the kids I went to school with.
Robbie you just have to go on and be satisfied that you were able to help them. Even if it was only a little bit. Not everyone has the medical training or equipment to do everything.
But what took so long for the help to get there.
That's what I was chewing the chief's ass over. He gave me an excuse that there was an accident on the freeway. And they are short on manpower in this area.
Lame excuse.
About that time there was a knock on the door. I went and answered it. It was Miss Mabel.
Come on in Miss Carter.
I'm sorry it took so long Mr. Johnson, there is a bad wreck on the road over here.
Yes ma'am we know, we were there. Please come in and have a seat.
Mr. Johnson you have a nice home here.
Thank You, but this one is just temporary. I have a big home in the process of being built a little further off the road. I plan on keeping this one for some of the help I hire.
Oh how many people do you plan on having here.
Well I'm having a 6500 square foot home built.
That's not a home, that's a mansion.
So now you know why I need a good cook. There will be around 10 armed security men here and of course someone to cook for them as well as several other workers for keeping the grounds looking nice. That is when some of the construction gets done.
I see. And where would be cooking.
A new trailer that will be here tomorrow until the main house gets done. I'm having a very large kitchen in it with mostly commercial appliances. The kitchen will be 40X40 including the storage areas. A 20 X30 dining area that is separate. A 40X60 living room. And 6 bedroom suites. Each will have it's own small living area as well as it's own bathroom.
And I have a huge garage and shop being built on back on the property.
Wow that's going to be some kind of place.
Hopefully it will be. And I'll also need a house keeper or two.
When would you like me to start.
It's is just Robbie and I here right now and a couple cops until my security force gets hired. I can handle it until then, but come the 23rd of this month there will be at least 5-6 more people around here. And I will need help then. I have two 5 bedroom trailers coming tomorrow for temporary housing until the house gets done. It may be a little cramped and hectic for a while.
I can start the 27th. I really need to give the restaurant notice that I'm leaving.
That would be fine. I don't know where you live, but if you like you can stay here. Or if you want to alternate back and forth you can keep a bedroom here for resting. I'm easy to get along with. If you are comfortable in one of the new trailers coming tomorrow you can stay in one of them. There will be a lot of men in there also. They are all ex special forces so your safety shouldn't be a problem. But if you're uncomfortable with that we can clean out the office in this house and turn it back into a bedroom.
I know how to handle men, even randy ones, she said with a little laugh. I can stay in one of the new trailers.
Ok but the minute there is a problem or you feel uncomfortable you let me know. I will not put up with any B.S. or harassment.
Besides you two need your privacy. Even being gay I know how couples are and you don't need an old lady like me around at those special times, if you know what I mean.
Yes I know what you mean. But if there is any problem with the men you let me know right away.
Ok sir I will.
My name is Jay, not sir. That's the first thing you have to remember.
Laughingly she said ok Mr. Jay.
That's better but you can drop the Mr. part.
Oh that's just me.
Ok. Now for the best part. What kind of salary would you like.
Oh I'm an old lady I don't need much.
Miss Mabel I need someplace to start.
How about 400 per week.
That doesn't sound very good, how would 600 per week be.
Oh Mr. Jay that's wonderful. I'll take it.
You got it. And I'll get you a credit card for groceries and what ever things for the kitchen you need. And you can take two days off a week also.
Oh my that's wonderful. But who will cook for all you men when I'm not here.
How about we find a house keeper that can also cook on your days off.
I know someone who may be interested.
Does she cook as good as you do?
No one cooks as good as me, but she's close.
We all laughed at that one.
Why don't you talk it over with her and if she likes the idea have her contact me.
Ok sir I'll do that.
There you go with the sir thing again.
Ok, ok it will take me a while, but I'll quit.
Ok I was just teasing.
I know. Mr. Jay I'd better get going home before it gets too late. I don't like driving after dark my old eyes aren't as good as they used to be.
Ok Miss Mabel we will see you the on the 27th. You be careful going home now.
Ok bye now.
We walked the old lady out to her car and watched her go. When she was out of sight Robbie spoke.
I think I like her.
You do?
Yeah she seems like a grandmotherly type to me. And I bet she is a dam good cook.
Well that's what we want isn't it?
Sure is, I like your cooking but I bet she is a lot better.
Well you little shit, I'll get you later.
You promise.
Sure do. I know you need some real lovin the same way I do.
Yeah it's been a while hasn't it.
Let's go inside and see if our favorite cops are done. They should be changing shifts soon. Then we will go to bed ourselves.